Governor Herbert Declares Oct. 23 - 29 Winter Weather Preparedness Week

You may wonder why I am writing a post about the 'Winter' when many of us have been enjoying 'no coat' weather.  Well, the truth is, overnight here where I live the temperature is projected to drop by 20 degrees....and stay there.  So, Fall....and soon Winter will be upon us.  Also, these beautiful winter pictures you see in this post.....were taken 2 weeks ago here in Utah.  They were up in a Canyon, and the weather changed overnight.  If we had not taken the proper precautions, we could have been one of the statistics.

The following information comes from Bereadyutah:

Winter storms are considered deceptive killers because most deaths are indirectly related to the storm. Fatalities occur in traffic accidents on icy roads, from heart attacks while shoveling snow, and from hypothermia due to prolonged exposure to cold.

Of fatalities related to ice and snow:


About 70% occur in automobiles
About 25% are people caught out in the storm
Majority are males over 40 years old


Of deaths related to exposure to cold:


50% are people over 60 years old
Over 75% are males
About 20% occur inside the home

Bereadyutah recently posted information about Govenor Herbert's declaration.  Here is an excerpt:

Governor Gary R. Herbert has declared Oct. 23 - 29, 2011 as Winter Weather Preparedness Week in Utah. The week is an excellent time for individuals, families, businesses, government, schools and media outlets to learn more about winter weather terms and safety rules and review their winter storm preparedness plans.

"Proper planning can save lives," said Governor Herbert. "I call on my fellow Utahns to be cautious on snowy roadways, to heed avalanche warnings and to let someone know your travel plans."

"Preparedness means having extra food in your vehicle, keeping your gas tank near full and paying attention to weather reports," Governor Herbert said.

Winter weather is a significant threat. In an average year, winter weather is directly or indirectly involved in 400,000 vehicular accidents in the United States, leading to 1,300 fatalities. Additionally, many lose their lives due to avalanches or exposure to extreme cold.

At home and at work have available:

Flashlight and extra batteries
Battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards (Public Alert) receiver and portable radio
Extra food and water
Extra medicine and baby items
First-aid supplies
Heating fuel
Emergency heating source
Fire extinguisher
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide detectors


In vehicles (cars, trucks, snowmobiles):

Fully check and winterize your vehicle

Carry a winter storm survival kit: blankets/sleeping bags, flashlight, first-aid kit, knife, non-perishable food, extra clothing, a large empty can and plastic cover with tissues and paper towels for sanitary purposes, a smaller can and water-proof matches to melt snow for drinking water, sand, shovel, windshield scraper, tool kit, tow rope, booster cables, water container, and road maps

Keep your gas tank near full
Carry a cell phone
Let someone know your itinerary

Don't be left out in the cold!



Cooking Corn on the cob...and no shucking?

Yesterday, we went camping into one of the wonderful canyons of Utah.  One of the things we had was Corn on the Cob. I wish I would have known about this yesterday.  Yes, I could have done this as the cabin we were staying in did have a Microwave. My thanks to Mormon Mom's who blog for posting this video. 

A "Spooky" project....for the little ones.

Well, Halloween is quickly coming upon us.....and I wanted to make something special for our littlest family members who live far away from us. These are pillowcases that each have a different cuff so that each little person has their very own! The body of the pillowcase is the same 'jack-o-latern' fabric. 

For directions on how to make these, please see this link.

Just as an FYI, when I made the Patriotic Pillowcases earlier this year, I was unsure how they would be received.  However, when "Nonnie" (that's me) went to visit and take care of one set of grandchildren earlier this year, I was surprised to see these pillowcases on each grandchild's bed.  My daughter said that they really liked them.  So, I am about to send the next installment. 

Happy Haunting!

In Honor of our Son, and all the other 51,000 Serving World-Wide

Some of you may recall that our son, Rooster Junior, is serving in the Houston South Mission.  We miss him dearly, but are grateful that he has made the decision to serve his Heavenly Father as a Missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Here is a glimpse of why so many young people make the same decision.  If you would like further information about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, ask your LDS friend or neighbor. Or, you may contact your local ward/congregation and meet the Missionaries in your area by going here.  Change your life.....find out more about how the Lord wishes to bless you and your family.

A Device that is nice.....

This is a Mixing Pitcher that I grown to love.  I dislike little clumps of drink mix or sugar floating about when I am mixing a drink.  This device helps mix the liquid quickly and efficiently.  Here is my method of mixing using this device.

Fill the pitcher with 2-3 inches of water.

Pour in all your drink mix.  Today, I am making Apple Drink.

Put the lid of the pitcher on and mix the water and dry ingredients until well mixed.  To mix, push and pull the plunger up and down until mixed well. 

Then add most of the water.  The reason I say 'most' is because I like to put ice in this drink when I serve it.   I made this up for a cookout we had later in the day.



Image courtesy of Emergency Essentials



I would like to have shown you the drink that was placed in a very beautiful decanter....but I forgot to take a picture before it was all gone.  That fact alone should let you know how much our little crowd enjoyed the Apple Drink.....and no one knew it was.......Food Storage!

Application:

•  Easy to mix
• Can be used to mix powdered milk if you do not have power
• Combines liquid and powder efficiently and quickly.

So, consider adding it to your list.  Here are several places you can purchase one:

• Sears
• Emergency Essentials
• Nitro-Pak

General Conference Breakfast.....easy with Peaches

Yes, I have a bunch of Peaches right now.  So, I decided to use them in a breakfast that is fast and easy.....for General Conference.

This is a version of the recipe by Rita Bingham in her book entitled Natural Meals in Minutes

Peachy Cool-er

2 peaches (I used fresh.  Blanch and take the skins off, then slice.  Ms. Bingham's recipe calls for canned or bottled Peaches)
1/2 Cup plain Yogurt
1/2 Cup liquid (I used some skim milk, she recommends liquid from the peaches)
I also added some vanilla to taste.

Blend all ingredients until smooth....serves 2!

Soooooo Easy!  If you haven't taken a look at her book, you should. It has lots of great ideas and recipes involving many food storage staples.  As you read along, you really do want to try the recipes as they look good!.

Enjoy Conference!